Solid conference start for women's soccer

The 49ers' women's soccer team -- which is still on the road -- got its Atlantic 10 season off to a strong start with a 2-0 victory against Massachusetts on Friday.

Next up for Charlotte (8-3, 1-0) is a game Sunday at Rhode Island.

The 49ers continue to shine in conference play. They're 21-0-2 in regular-season league games in the past two-plus seasons.

Charlotte's game Sunday against the Rams will be their sixth straight on the road. They're 4-1 so far. The 49ers return to Transamerica Field next weekend with games against St. Bonaventure and Duquesne.

-- Charlotte's Kat Hicks (16 kills, 10 digs) and Bianca Rouse (12 and 10) had double-doubles in a close lost to defending A-10 champ Saint Louis on Friday at Halton Arena. Charlotte is 9-8 and 0-2 in the league.

-- Strong showings by both cross-country teams in the Charlotte Invitational Friday at McAlpine Greenway Park. The women finished fourth, the men fourth. Laura McCary (10th) and Ross Roberson (15th) paced each team.